Head Chef

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals

Pension scheme

4-on 4-off shift

No late finishes

Modern kitchen equipment

Job summary

HealthJobs4U Ltd in Kent is recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen, delivering fresh, nutritious meals for residents in a care home setting.

This full-time role offers a 4-on, 4-off pattern with no late finishes, generous training, and a pension. You will manage a small team, ensure high standards of hygiene and presentation, and create menus that meet dietary needs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Passion for preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving high-quality, home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients
• Creating varied and nutritious menus that cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences
• Ensuring exceptional food preparation, presentation and portion control
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, Health & Safety and infection control
• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
• Managing stock, food ordering and reducing waste
• Building positive relationships with residents, relatives and colleagues
• Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while delivering an outstanding dining experience every day

Skills

Head Chef

Kitchen Manager

Leadership

Menu planning

Job description

Lead the Kitchen. Make a Difference Every Day.

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for a rewarding role where you can showcase your culinary skills while enjoying an excellent work-life balance?

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the catering team within their beautiful Nursing Home in Chislehurst, Kent.

This welcoming home provides outstanding person-centred nursing and dementia care for 35 residents, with a strong focus on dignity, compassion and enhancing quality of life. Food plays a vital role in residents' wellbeing, and you'll have the opportunity to create nutritious, home-cooked meals that residents genuinely look forward to every day.

A Head Chef role with no late evenings and a fantastic 4-on, 4-off shift pattern is a rare opportunity.

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring residents receive delicious, freshly prepared meals that meet the highest nutritional and presentation standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving high-quality, home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients
• Creating varied and nutritious menus that cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences
• Ensuring exceptional food preparation, presentation and portion control
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, Health & Safety and infection control
• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
• Managing stock, food ordering and reducing waste
• Building positive relationships with residents, relatives and colleagues
• Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while delivering an outstanding dining experience every day

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• A passion for preparing fresh, nutritious meals
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A good understanding of food hygiene regulations and Health & Safety legislation
• A genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of older people

Previous experience within a care home, healthcare or hospitality setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• £18.10 per hour
• Full-time, permanent contract
• Fantastic 4-on, 4-off shift pattern
• No late-night finishes
• Complimentary meals, hot drinks and snacks during your shift
• Bespoke induction and ongoing training programmes
• Excellent opportunities for career development
• Modern kitchen equipment and facilities
• Custom-made uniforms provided
• Company contributory pension scheme
• A supportive management team and welcoming working environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to residents' lives every single day

Why Join This Provider?

This is more than a Head Chef position- it's an opportunity to become an important part of a close-knit care team where your skills will have a direct impact on residents' health, wellbeing and happiness.

You’ll work for a provider that genuinely values its employees, invests in their development, and recognises the important role that great food plays in delivering exceptional care.

If you're looking for a rewarding leadership role with excellent hours, a supportive team and the chance to make every meal special, we’d love to hear from you.